Visitors to Portugal will know that this fantastic country offers some of the most interesting food in Europe, and produces amazing and unusual wines. But whilst most restaurant menus will come with an English translation of the dishes, the wine list never does.

What do you do if you don’t know your Aragonês from your Tinta Roriz?* Newcomers to Lisbon may well find themselves confused by an unpronounceable or unfamiliar wine list or poleaxed by the Portuguese language. Portugal has more than a dozen distinct wine producing regions and an incredible diversity of wine styles - not to mention a huge number of unique and fascinating grape varieties. Unsurprisingly, the Portuguese make some of the finest and most interesting wines in the world. But it's never been easy to navigate a national wine list this extensive. Until now…

An exciting new concept in wine tasting, One Hour Wine, which launches this month, provides the answer to decoding a Portuguese wine list. Unlocking the secrets to the wonderful world of Portuguese wine, viticulturist and skilled winemaker Miles Edlmann takes you on a one hour guided tasting tour of Portuguese wines from one end of the country to the other, via the Islands; from the Algarve to Vinho Verde.In just one hour you can discover how to read a wine list like an expert, learn which regions and grape varieties you like most, from Alfrocheiro to Zé do Telheiro, and match the wine perfectly with the food on the menu.

One Hour Wine runs a series of pop-up wine courses in Lisbon and beyond, all of which include professionally guided tastings of key wines, that will tell you everything you need to know about Portugal's fascinating wine culture and turn you into an instant expert.

The One Hour Wine interactive, stand-alone wine course provides you with all the tools you need in order to know exactly what to expect from any bottle. In short, One Hour Wine teaches you how to read a wine list like a local. This unmissable experience uses slides, film, handouts and plenty of wine tasting (of course) to focus on three main areas:

· Understand the star grape varieties from each region, and what they contribute to a wine's identity.

· Suggested food and wine pairings for popular dishes.

Obviously, it's not all talk - questions are very much encouraged. During the course you will also taste and discuss a range of wines specially chosen to illustrate key characteristics of the grapes and regions, guided by your professional winemaker (who may even have made some of these amazing wines himself!).

“Miles really knows the vineyards, grapes and wines of Portugal. His attention to detail is second to none. He is passionate about his subject, communicating his considerable knowledge with eloquence and enthusiasm. You are sure to learn about Portuguese wines from Miles.”

Richard Mayson – author Port and the Douro, Madeira: the Islands and their Wines, The Wines and Vineyards of Portugal, www.richardmayson.com

“There is no one better equipped to paint the Portuguese wine picture for you than Miles. A great raconteur, palate and technical wine specialist, he will be happy to share his vast knowledge with one and all, leaving his charges with a complete picture of Portuguese wine culture and its vinous landscape.”

Matthew Jukes – Daily Mail, MoneyWeek, www.matthewjukes.com

“Miles has an incredible knowledge of Portugal’s wine regions and its wines. He is also an excellent communicator and often approaches his subject from unusual and humorous angles, but he is always extremely well informed and intelligent.”

A One Hour Wine session starts from €20 per person. For upcoming events in Lisbon and to sign up for your place visit the website at http://www.onehourwine.pt.

One Hour Wine also offers private events for groups which can be tailored to your exact preferences. Whether you wish to explore a particular style of wine or grape, or focus on and even compare specific regions or varieties, Miles can create a unique, personalised experience to satisfy the most curious of wine buffs. A One Hour Wine session also makes an ideal addition to a private dinner party, birthday or pre-wedding celebration, for hen and stag weekends and for corporate entertaining, including away days and team building events. One Hour Wine can also come to you – anywhere in Portugal.**

*BTW - it is the same grape variety, of course! Aragonês in the south, Tinta Roriz in the north and also known as Tempranillo across the border in Spain.

**At additional cost.

ABOUT MILES EDLMANN:

Miles Edlmann has lived in Portugal all his life, where his family has been growing grapes and making wine for over 150 years. He studied viticulture at the University of Adelaide, where he graduated top of his class, and then stayed on to qualify as a winemaker too.

Since then he has amassed nearly 20 years of top-end experience in the Portuguese wine industry, in the vineyards and the wineries of some of the oldest, largest and most prestigious wine companies in the country. At one point he found himself managing an area of vineyard equivalent to one third of all the vines in England.

As a winemaker he has produced three wines scoring 97 points (including from the Wine Spectator) and won the International Wine Challenge Single Quinta Vintage Port Trophy.

Much sought-after as a wine communicator, he trained the visitor centre guides who won Best of Wine Tourism from Great Wine Capitals. He has three publications to his name, two scientific and one seminal article debunking the myth of organic viticulture. He holds the WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits.

Named for Leda, the Spartan Queen from Greek mythology, the Leda woman is sophisticated, cosmopolitan, independent and fun. The SS18 collection is a reflection of this spirit and is characterized by a sense of Mediterranean femininity. Leda Di Marti offers a range of stylish, sensual separates for the modern woman which emphasize the waist and enhance the figure. The collection offers a dichotomy of shape between fluidity and geometry, between rigour and passion. The prints, each one hand-drawn in house, use iconic colours and fruits of the Italian landscape: the fabrics are a riot of citrons, bergamot and broom flowers and sparkling acidic tints alternate.

Summer dresses are a highlight in the range with the pretty fit and flare printed styles to suit both work or weekend dressing. Trousers come in a stretch cigarette shape for the office or look to the flowing printed palazzo pants and maxi skirts for a relaxed laid back summer vibe. Cheeky shorts and skater girl skirts are ultra short yet sexy and chic.

Tops come in a variety of different shapes, including both tailored blouses and more relaxed, pussy bow styles but always with clean lines and crafted from printed or block colour cotton and georgette. T-shirts too come in soft jersey with geometric necklines, and have been thoughtfully kept to waist height, to ensure a cool, contemporary style suitable for summer in the city.

All the garments in the range can be combined as desired for a unique mix and match look - a polite take on feminine dressing for the contemporary woman that will never be boring.

The collection will be available from Seekers of Design www.sods.co.uk from mid February 2018.

Whether it's from the beach to lunch, for a stroll along the harbour or pool-to-beach bar ... the SEALT is the one staple on every fashionistas summer packing list.

An evolution from the sarong faze of the 90's - this cover up is the new twist every woman needs regardless of age or style. Just choose your length and fabric and your wobbly bits will be covered in style!

Each fabric has been carefully sourced by the designers in limited editions and includes many one offs to set you a part from the fashion pack. The leather belts are hand made and embossed, embroidered with meticulous detail to give your bikini the 'it' factor. Wear over your bikini or one-piece with or without a simple tank and accessorise with all your summer bling. Getting ready for the beach has never been so fun!

The luxurious sarongs are available in 2 different lengths to suit your look or mood. Shop the latest pieces online at www.ananyalondon.co.uk.

About

Anu Suya is the founder of Ananya London, the designer behind the collection of exquisite handcrafted kaftans and beachwear which she launched in 2000. Meaning ‘One of a Kind’ Ananya became a huge hit with many A List celebrity names. With her considerable expertise in beachwear, the launch of Sealt is natural extension of Anu’s considerable beachwear expertise.

There is something nostalgic about the shirt dress – whilst it harkens back to the days of perfect housewives and an equally perfectly cinched waist, it’s time to modernise this idea, which is exactly what Lalita Russell-Smith, Creative Director of Me & Maya, has done.

Lalita’s trademark tailoring and attention to detail and colour has resulted in the creation of a range of striking shirt dresses this A/W. These effortlessly chic dresses feature subtle ruching and gathering for expert definition of the female form. Lalita pays similar attention to the waist, while a hemline just below the knee which allows movement and adds a swish to your sashay.

The ultra versatile shirt dress should be the lynch pin to your autumn wardrobe and is the ideal option to take you from summer to autumn and right through to winter; and from work to evening drinks. The shirt dress can be worn a multitude of ways; wear it alone with heels for a work event or pair it with a pair of jeans for a weekend look.

The Linda shirtdress takes the 70s as its muse and each dress is crafted from saree fabric to create a one of the kind piece. The bodice and skirt features contrasting yet complimetnary prints, with bright cuffs and a detachable bow – for a buttoned up or relaxed look depending on your mood. With their bright colours and stand out prints, Me & Maya’s Linda shirt dresses are a fabulous boost for brightening up any dull autumn day.

The Kylie shirt dress is another modern classic. Similarly crafted from a striking saree fabric, the seemingly demure buttoned up shirt top of this dress gives way to a dramatic full skirt. It would look equally at home for work or for an evening soiree.

Each season, Lalita carefully selects luxurious fabrics for her Me & Maya label that are uniquely hand designed in London. Thanks to her passion for supporting the British fashion industry, the entire range is made in London.

Me & Maya’s flagship boutique is located at 1 Knockhundred Row, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DQ. Customers can also shop the full collection online at www.meandmaya.co.uk and by appointment from Me & Maya’s new West London showroom.

As another Christmas rolls around, you find yourself facing the same annual dilemma of finding the perfect presents for friends and family. Sock specialists Look Mate are on hand to solve all your Christmas shopping woes with their collection of unique, fun and comfortable sock designs. Struggling to find a gift for your dad, mum, boyfriend or a friend? Look Mate’s wide collection of designs caters to all styles and tastes, so you are guaranteed to find a suitable sock for all of your family.

For someone who likes colour and bold designs The 'London Town’ design is the perfect choice. London Town was created by leading illustrator and designer Yoni Alter, his eye-catching design celebrates London’s iconic buildings, architecture and unique skyline. The vibrant and playful sock is the perfect choice for those urbanites who like to make a statement.

The ‘Red Nord Snake’ sock is not one to be missed, nor is it possible to miss with its eye-catching Native Indian illustrations. The Spanish illustration duo, Nuria and Raquel, flirt with colours, energy and humour. With these socks on your feet, you cannot help but smile, a great gift for all those cheeky chaps with a playful nature.

For any animal lovers or supporters of the environment the ‘Tiger Sock’ is the perfect match. The Tiger Socks combines Look Mate’s passion for bringing their customers cool and innovative designs and an issue they are equally passionate about - tiger conservation. Look Mate teamed up with designer HEDOF, AKA Rick Berkelmans to support WWF's Tiger Conservation Campaign through a donation from sales, and this sock design is characteristic of Rick Berkelmans' style with its bold shapes, eccentric characters and bright colours.

Whichever design you choose, you are sure to bring some Christmas joy to the feet of your loved ones. Boasting quality, quirkiness and originality, as well as being beautifully boxed ready to wrap, Look Mate helps to make this Christmas one to remember.

Look Mate socks are priced at £12 per pair and are crafted from the finest combed cotton. To view and purchase the latest collaborations or to purchase a gift subscription to their monthly sock service, visit their e-commerce store at www.lookmate.co.

We are excited to share London sock brand Look Mate’s newest collaboration with leading illustrator and designer Yoni Alter. Each month Look Mate unveils a new, playful design, and come July we welcome London Town as the newest addition to the Look Mate sock family. This is Look Mate’s third tribute to London after their successful designs 6k Editionand The Magic of London.

With the new design partnership, Look Mate’s mission is inspire their community to walk around London and take in all this great city’s unique architecture and enjoys the hub of culture that surrounds them everyday. There is no better way to explore London than on foot, so make sure you’re giving your feet the ultimate London experience by wearing your London Town socks this summer.

Yoni Alter is a London based designer and artist. As the name of his sock design suggests, he didn’t need to look too far from home for his inspiration! His work is characterised by its bold use of colour and his integration between the graphic and artistic, between the figurative and the abstract and between form and space. Yoni studied art and design in Jerusalem before completing his MA Graphic Design at University of the Arts London and constantly uses the city as a source of inspiration. Yoni’s colourful depictions of London architecture, simplified and to a degree abstracted, are very engaging and aim to represent the creative vibe of this amazing city.

Yoni has an impressive client roll call, having created the iconic branding for London’s TV channel London Live and he also has a best selling range of merchandise at the prestigious Tate in London and MOMA in New York. He has an on-going project entitled Shape of Cities, where his eye-catching posters of city skylines around the world have been much celebrated and have created a keen following: Shapesofcities.com.

Yoni comments on the collaboration saying “I love London's architecture. London's combination of both old and new iconic buildings is like no other city in the world. The distinctive buildings make great graphic shapes to work with.”

Look Mate London’s ethos is to offer “Exquisite socks designed collaboratively” and each and every pair of socks is produced to high standards of craftsmanship from combed cotton by second generation sock makers in Armenia. The socks are tested time and time again until perfection is reached. To view and purchase the London Town socks, shop online at Look Mate’s e-commerce store at www.lookmate.co. Each pair of is priced £12. Look Mate also offer a one month, a three month or a six month subscription service for customers to receive a pair of socks from Look Mate’s latest designs.

Want to learn more about Look Mate London? Listen to the interview with Look Mate’s co-founder Vahan on Monocle.

The most exciting prospect of winter is getting cozy with your loved one and snuggling under the covers on those cold evenings. If you’re looking to feel fabulous under the sheets this festive season, Playful Promises’ new nightwear collection is the perfect way to get that irresistibly seductive feeling.

Combine the art of creating intimacy with the upmost comfort with these silky satin pyjamas and kimonos from this stand out collection. The combination of accomplished embroidery and black satin, oozes elegance. Whatever size you wear, these pieces have no age limit and are designed to uplift you when dressing up or relaxing at the most hygge time of the year.

The Jasmin Embroidered Chemise can be worn as a statement nightwear piece, or if you are looking for something sultry to wrap up in, the Jasmin Embroidered Kimono Robe is available in either the long or short style and makes the perfect pair with the chemise. This range is also available in the Curve Collection for sizes 18-24, allowing all women to feel daring and divine.

The luxurious Lydia is a stunning range for those relaxing evenings, with a flirty twist. With delicate chartreuse or light pink embroidery, these black silky satin PJ’s wrap you in pure luxury and are the ultimate Christmas gift, allowing women to feel confident and sexy through the festive period. The Lydia Embroidered Wrap PJ’s are also available in Curve range for more voluptuous silhouettes.

To view the full Playful Promises collections, shop online at www.playfulpromises.com. Playful Promises is stocked in a range of renowned boutiques across the UK, on ASOS.com as well as international stockists within Europe and the US.

About:

Playful Promises is a London designed lingerie and swimwear brand, which launched in the UK 12 years ago. The brand is known for offering playful, directional, affordable and sexy lingerie and swimwear for women of all sizes from 8 – 24, and bra sizes 30DD-G, 32-42A/B-G. Playful Promises recognize women come in a variety of shapes and sizes and their collections aspire to empower women to feel sexy no matter what size they wear.